Police use 180 in terror-related raids, two men charged

ABOUT 180 officers from Queensland and Australian Federal Police were involved in raids including those at the iQraa Islamic Centre and a gym this morning, resulting in the charging of two men aged 21 and 31.

AFP National Manager Counter Terrorism Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said the raids were part of a 12-month investigation codenamed "Bolton".

The raids were executed, almost entirely in the Logan region south of Brisbane, after police received information about weaponry, including a crossbow, allegedly held by the suspects.

One of the men has been confirmed the 31-year-old is the brother of Australia's first suicide bomber in Syria.

Both men are linked to the bookstore connected to the Islamic centre.

Asst Commissioner Gaughan said there was no terrorist attack planned for Brisbane by these men.

There is also no evidence of any proposed terrorist attack anywhere in Australia, according to Asst Commissioner Gaughan.

"I would like to stress there is no information or intelligence available to police or security agencies at this time to indicate that these males were involved in terrorism attack planning in Australia," he said.

He said the investigation has linked into Syria but said the alleged actions of these men "has got nothing to do with Islam".

"This is criminal behaviour by Australians involved in terrorist activity."

Authorities were reluctant to release further information in the press conference until documents are supplied to the court on Thursday.

The two men face charges of "in relation to preparation for crimes into Syria with the intention of engaging in hostile activity".

Earlier: Islamic centre linked to suicide bomber raided

AN Islamic centre in Logan has been raided as part of an operation by Australian Federal Police.

The raid at the iQraa Islamic Centre was carried out this morning but the AFP will not release further details at the moment.

News Corp reported last week that a Logan man, believed to be the brother of Australia's first suicide bomber in Syria, was running the bookshop.

The centre at Underwood had reportedly developed ties to firebrand Perth preacher Mohammed Junaid Thorne.

The centre hosted a lecture this year on what followers should do if they were contacted by national security organisation ASIO, News Corp said.

But Members of Brisbane's Muslim community say they were told his brother was "alive and well'' and living in Turkey.

The centre responded by posting a statement on its Facebook page rejecting what it said were "ridiculous claims".

"Islam and this centre does NOT tolerate extremism but not what the disbelievers portray extremism is, we do not discriminate either, so we have allowed many speakers to come and give lectures and share their views here,'' the post said.

"An unknown source who will have to stand in front of Allah (SWA) on the day of resurrection has made a statement saying that 'We need to be exposed more widely' so the 'community around it can be more aware of what is being promoted' and said 'The wider community would be alarmed'.

"We are disgusted with the traitorous actions of this munafiq .."

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman said he had been briefed by authorities about the situation.

"What has been conveyed to me is there is heightened security threats to Australians and we won't just let that roll on," he said.

Mr Newman said security is a priority with Brisbane hosting the G20 leaders conference in November.

Last night, the head of Australia's domestic spy agency, David Irvine, told the ABC the country's official terror threat level could be upgraded in the next few days.

ASIO's director-general said the threat had been building in Australia over the past year and he had an "elevated level of concern".